I am ridiculously crazy about Billy Elliot. So I am ridiculously happy to see him make your list, albeit ninety or so spaces too low. :-)

You know, what strikes me most is how many of these men I take for granted. Take Richard Jenkins, for instance. I've seen ALL the films you mention, yet, when I caught his excellent perf in North Country, my first thought was "where the hell did this guy come from?!"

P.S. I have no idea who'll hit the number one spot on this list. Kidman was obvious. But what of the men? Objectively speaking, I would venture Russell Crowe, but...I doubt Nathaniel would dub the "most annoying celebrity of 2005" also the "best actor of the aughts". So...Jude Law??

Jude Law and Gael Garcia Bernal will undoubtedly be in the top 5. Depp and Ewan probably won't be far behind... Peter Saarsgard might end up 2nd the way Patty Clarkson did... for #1, my money's on Law, just based on Nat's film bitch awards this decade. He's done as well as Kidman:

I like Russel Crowe, but I always thought his two most lauded performances (A Beautiful Mind and Gladiator) were very much over-rated. He was great in The Insider, probably his best performance to date.

Johnny Depp crossed my mind, too, but what, aside from Pirates of the Caribbean (and voice work in Corpse Bride), makes him so worthy in "the aughts"? Chocolat? Finding Neverland? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Secret Window? He seems more a Julianne (one piece of brilliance) than a Nicole (consistently interesting).

Dusty, I found him to be great in Finding Neverland and The Libertine (which I think some people hated) but from looking at Nat's pop bitch awards as pointed out, I am guessing I was wrong with my prediction and agree that it looks like Jude will get it.

When I read "Matthieu" and "John Michael" in the link I thought it was going to be Matthieu Kassovitz and John Michael Mitchell or whatever that crazy dude's name is.

I love me some Kassovitz though, but he's not on there. I wonder if my other French master is going to be on there. I, of course, speak of Vincent Cassell. I hope for my three men - Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Vincent Cassell. Those three are welcome in my abode anytime. Preferably at the same time. :)